Chookie Royale Still On Top Of His Game

The 58-race veteran arrives here following a smooth success at Wolverhampton last time out.

Chelmsford 14.25

MONEY TEAM(best price 11/8) quickened up in the style of an improved performer when scoring over the C&D last time out and in a race lacking any great strength in depth, he looks to have all the necessary tools to cope with a mandatory penalty. In a well-run affair, David Barrons’ inmate pulled nicely clear in the closing stages of a field which contained subsequent winners Jacob’s Pillow and Bosham and with a strong pace looking on the cards courtesy of Encapsulated in the line-up, the son of Kodiac should get the perfect platform to utilise his strengths.

Money Team - 2pt @ 11/8

Taunton 15.10

For those of us who sided with WINNING SPARK(best price 11/2) at Exeter last time out, it felt like a kick in the Nether regions when the Jackie De Plessis’ inmate tipped up at the third last so well was he going at the time and he simply has to be given another chance to make amends for that untimely exit despite this race being a rung higher on the quality ladder. Given what appeared to be a well-timed ride by James Best, the son of Theatrical was just about to lay his cards on the table when disaster struck at the West Country venue and that’s not the first time the wheels have come off the nine-year-old when seemingly holding a winning chance. On his previous visit to the racetrack over this C&D, he threw away a golden opportunity when almost running off the course in between the final two flights, so let’s hope that it’s a classic case of third time lucky for the selection as he clearly has the ability to be competitive if he can avoid mishap.

Winning Spark - 1pt e/w @ 11/2

Kempton 18.10

CHOOKIE ROYALE(best price 11/8) arrives here right on top of his game courtesy of a smooth success at Wolverhampton last time and with Keith Dalgleish’s charge likely to receive the run of the race once again up front, he makes quite a bit appeal to follow up. The son of Monsieur Bond has always been at his best when allowed to pound out relentless fractions – a reason why he has such a good record in small fields on the all-weather – and that latest victory in a fast time at the Dunstall Park venue went further to enhance not only his appetite for the game for a 58-race veteran, but how difficult he is to peg back once he has the bit between his teeth. Just as good here as he is around the Midland circuit, the likeable eight-year-old can record win number 14 doing things the hard way.